African Football League: Esperance overcome Mazembe to reach inaugural semi-finals

Espérance staged a second-leg fightback to defeat TP Mazembe 3-0 and book their place in the African Football League (AFL) semi-finals.

Having lost the away first leg 1-0, the Tunisian giants roared back at home to overhaul Mazembe with goals from Ghaith Ouahabi, Oussama Bouguerra and Mohamed Amine Tougai sealing a 3-1 aggregate victory.

Mazembe keeper Baggio Siadi was inspired early on, denying efforts from Rodrigues and Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane to keep the tie goalless.

But Espérance’s pressure finally told on the cusp of half-time when Ouahabi flicked in Houssem Teka’s corner to level the tie.

Mazembe almost punctured the electric atmosphere soon after the break as Glody Likonza forced a save from Amanallah Memmiche.

Yet there was no stopping Espérance’s second goal as Bouguerra converted Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane’s low cross on 76 minutes.

Tougai then headed into an empty net from Yanis Sassi’s free-kick to put the result beyond doubt on 83 minutes.

Despite boasting several previous Champions League triumphs, Mazembe could not contain wave after wave of Espérance pressure.

It maintains Espérance’s strong home record in African competitions and sets up a semi-final clash with the winner of the Enyimba and Wydad Casablanca tie.